Fancy Becoming A Forest Volunteer?

From the Forestry Commission:

Forest Diary, (Entry Ten -11/1/2012)

"A multitude of volunteers play an integral role in helping to conserve wildlife and habitats and enhance visitor enjoyment in the New Forest. There are over 250 people that undertake voluntary work through one of two Forestry Commission schemes – the Volunteer Rangers and the Two Trees Conservation Team. But we are in need of more help and support from local residents in order to protect the natural beauty of the New Forest.

"As Volunteer Ranger Coordinator, it’s my job to ensure the volunteer rangers focus on public facing duties, such as providing information and leading walks. The Two Trees Conservation Team meanwhile, is more involved in the practical management of the countryside, including conservation tasks.

"Our volunteers come from all age groups and walks of life. Some people have free time to commit to helping us during the week and others work with us at weekends. Our volunteers all have two things in common though – a love of the New Forest and the enthusiasm to help in its management. The Forestry Commission volunteers are passionate about the forest and enjoy spending time outdoors; conserving this unique and very special piece of England that we are so lucky to have on our doorstep.

"There’s a whole host of duties to carry out as a volunteer and the tasks are so diverse that there are many opportunities to acquire new skills and knowledge. In spring and summer, volunteer rangers can be found attending public events, patrolling the forest to make sure that the public enjoy their visit, manning the information unit at Bolderwood and leading guided walks. They also help with maintenance at the New Forest Reptile Centre once a month.

"In autumn and winter, conservation tasks are carried out, such as clearing the edges of woodland tracks to improve butterfly habitats and removal of seedling pine regeneration from heathland, to provide a good habitat for birds such as the Dartford Warbler. Throughout the year there are also some great seasonal opportunities like helping the Agisters with the pony round ups and selling Christmas trees.

"The start of the new year is the perfect opportunity to learn some unique skills and gain a new hobby, so why not volunteer some of your spare time in the New Forest as your 2012 New Year’s resolution and help us conserve this special area?"

For more information about becoming a volunteer, please visit www.forestry.gov.uk/newforest or phone 023 8028 6840              
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The New Forest National Park Authority and New Forest Volunteering Centre will be hosting the second annual New Forest volunteer fair on Saturday 3 March in Lyndhurst. The free fair will be held at the Lyndhurst Community Centre from 10.30am to 4pm. For more information, please call 01590 646681 or email events@newforestnpa.gov.uk

Vicky Myers, Forestry Commission Volunteer Ranger Coordinator